For most REALTORS®, 2014 will be a respectable year, but probably won’t break any records. Looking forward to 2015, this is an excellent time to move outside your normal routine. Attend some real-estate-related meetings (office meetings, mixers, MLS marketing meetings) and check out what is going on around you. Investigate new technology and business ideas very carefully, plan your course of action and make sure you are properly positioned when business picks up again. For details on the economic picture and more tips, read on.

Arizona job growth to exceed population growth

With our population expected to grow 7-8% over next five years, new residents will be looking for jobs. As the adjacent Total Nonfarm Employment chart shows, Arizona’s Department of Administration predicts that job growth will slowly improve through 2015 and will even exceed population growth.

The picture is different throughout the state with Tucson and outlying areas increasing significantly and Phoenix growth moderating. In any event, job growth will continue to meet the needs of the growing population. Once again, Arizona will exceed the national average, but remember, our increases start from a very deep slump during the recession. Barring any major economic impacts, Arizona can expect to maintain job growth for the future.

REALTORS® should see these job forecasts as positive, but it is also important to pay attention to what kind of jobs are created. Low-paying jobs tend to stimulate business with lower-cost rentals and homes. Higher-paying jobs mean more mobility and larger, more expensive homes. As jobs are created, you should begin to research typical pay scales of those jobs, do the math on loan qualification, then start locating homes around the estimated price range. This knowledge will provide insight into potential clients’ income and where to start in showing them appropriately-priced neighborhoods. The more you know, the more effective you will be and the more likely you are to receive referrals.